Alfredo Gonzalez

Elemental analysis in SEM has become a routine tool for materials characterization. Improvements in technology and development of new detectors have made possible to characterize samples using conditions that are atypical. From very high-speed characterization to low-kV, we are pushing the limits of what we can see on the samples. Several techniques and their applications will be discussed.

Ted Limpoco (Oxford Instruments)

High-performance atomic force microscopes (AFMs) like Oxford Instrument’s Cypher, Vero, or Jupiter routinely visualize nanometer-sized topographic features of surfaces down to atoms and point defects. This is achieved using a super-sharp stylus (typically <10 nm at the tip) that essentially “touches” the surface with exquisitely controlled interaction forces. In addition, contact or proximity to the surface allow us to simultaneously interrogate materials properties such as their mechanical, electrical and magnetic response. We can thus obtain very local information that enables us to correlate these properties to nanometer-sized topographic features to better understand the performance of materials.
In this presentation, we will survey advanced AFM modes that measure properties such as Young’s modulus, adhesion, and viscoelastic response; current and capacitance; contact potential and work function; static charge and magnetic field gradients; and, finally, electromechanical or piezoelectric response. These various measurement modes, combined with its nano-scale resolution, highlight the strength and versatility of AFMs in materials characterization and nanotechnology research.

Marco Notarianni (Oxford Instruments)

With the continued downscaling of semiconductor devices, the need for atomic scale processing is becoming apparent. Atomic layer deposition has been utilised for many years to enable wafer-scale deposition of uniform and conformal films for HVM. In contrast, integration of an etching technique with similar properties into HVM has lagged. In recent years atomic layer etching (ALE) has emerged as a promising technique to fill this role, providing nm-scale depth control with low-damage, and uniform etching. In this talk, the basic components of an ALE processes will be outlined, highlighting how the separation of the etching process into two self-limiting half-cycles facilitates the nm-scale control while etching. Due to its low damage nature there are typically a few benefits manifest from utilising ALE, such as lower surface roughness and removal of contaminants. Finally, while ALE is typically considered for cutting edge logic and memory applications, we will highlight areas where control surface properties are equally important, such as in LEDs, power semiconductors and quantum applications. ALE can emerge not only as a nm-scale etching process, but also as a powerful surface cleaning tool to improve device performance, even when the feature scale far exceeds the typical nm-scales considered for ALE.

Adam Wise (Oxford Instruments)

A modular approach to optical spectroscopy, featuring interchangeable detectors, spectrographs, gratings, and accessories , enables scientists to create versatile measurement systems for diverse applications. This flexibility allows for easy expansion of capabilities as new research priorities emerge. In this presentation, we will demonstrate how these building blocks can be used to achieve high-resolution Raman measurements, configure micro-spectroscopy setups for single-molecule studies, enable high-throughput plasma monitoring across multiple simultaneous channels, and more. We will also discuss common measurement challenges and their solutions.

Andrew Graves (Penn State University)

Amelia Ralowicz (Oxford Instruments)

Imaris represents the gold standard in multidimensional image analysis. By leveraging AI-powered tools and comprehensive 3D/4D visualization capabilities, Imaris enables researchers to dive deep into their imaging data with precision and efficiency. Our software bridges the gap between raw imaging data and meaningful scientific discoveries, providing researchers with a powerful toolkit to explore biological complexity.
This presentation will showcase Imaris' comprehensive suite of analytical tools, demonstrating how researchers can automate and optimize their image analysis workflows across multiple life science disciplines. Attendees will learn how Imaris' range of segmentation, classification, tracking, and quantification methods can dramatically reduce manual analysis time while providing multidimensional insights. By highlighting real Imaris user applications we'll illustrate how you can use Imaris to transform your data into scientific breakthroughs.

Ted Limpoco (Oxford Instruments)

Atomic force microscopes as a mechanical imaging mode provide unique advantages to the study of cells, biomaterials and biomolecules. Unlike optical and electron microscopes, whose resolutions are limited by the wavelength of the incident light and electron beams, respectively, the lateral resolution of AFMs depends on the contact radius of the probe tip with the sample, while the vertical resolution depends on the mechanical noise performance of the instrument. Typical commercial AFM tips are rated to have <10 nm radius, and forces applied can be as low as <10nN, while instrument noise can be <15 pm on the highest performing AFMs, like Oxford Instrument’s Cypher and Vero AFMs. AFMs can therefore resolve arrays of biomolecules or even single biomolecules, and possibly even their substructures, which are beyond the diffraction limit of optical and electron microscopes. As a mechanical imaging mode, AFMs necessarily “touch” the surface, which opens the ability to probe the mechanical properties of the substrate with nano-scale resolution. AFMs, like Oxford Instrument’s MFP-3D Bio, for example, have been used to map out the stiffness of cells and their hydrogel substrates, which can provide insight into disease states, cell differentiation, and mechanostransduction.
In this presentation, we will survey AFM applications in the life sciences, such as: the high resolution imaging of biomolecules, and capturing their dynamics in real time; the characterization of biomaterials in drug and biomedical device development; and the fundamental study of cells, viruses, and tissues. These examples show how AFMs have become a critical tool in understanding cell biology, biomaterials, and biomolecular phenomena.

Dr. Haw Yang (Princeton University)

A dark quencher is usually a non-fluorescent organic dye that, when placed near a photoexcited fluorescent chromophore, can open up additional non-radiative decay channels to drain the chromophore's excess energy. While originally developed for such bioanalytical applications as qPCR, dark quenchers have quickly been adapted in other application areas, including gene sequencing and ultra-sensitive chemical detection. Underlying the dark quenchers’ broad application scope is a central premise that their optical responses are ideal. Yet, the literature appears to contain only a modicum of basic-research studies that examine that fundamental assumption, and the picture remains unclearer. In this presentation, we discuss our most recent efforts trying to understand dark-quencher’s behavior as well as an outline of practical considerations moving forward.